Blackburn Rovers vs West Ham United preview: A big game for Manuel Lanzini

A look ahead to the Emirates FA Cup fixture at Ewood Park

Ben Marshall (GETTY IMAGES)

It’s a big game for…

Manuel Lanzini

West Ham fans welcomed the news that the Argentine playmaker will be available to play in this weekend’s FA Cup clash. He will need to make sure he is one manager Slaven Bilic can turn too as Enner Valencia and Andy Carroll both picked up knocks against Norwich. He could be the deciding factor in who goes through and who falters at the 90 minute hurdle.

Weird Stat…

45 losses: It will be surprising to football fans now to learn that West Ham have lost 45 times to Blackburn Rovers. However, fortunes have now changed for the London Club with Blackburn are struggling to find a version of their old selves. The Hammers will be looking to make the game their 43rd win rather than their 46th loss.

Remember when…

It was the 1993/1994 season and it was certainly a resurgent Blackburn that West Ham United faced on April 27 as the Rovers came back from 1-0 down to defeat the Hammers 2-1. In the end they came second in the league and qualified for the UEFA CUP first round.

Player to watch…

Ben Marshall

He is currently Blackburn’s ray of light with a steady attitude as he remains calm and collected in their quest to move away from the relegation battle. Paul Lambert’s side are progressing nicely in the FA Cup and Marshall tends to be the architect of opening the score in key matches. All eyes will be on him at Ewood Park on Sunday.

Past three-meetings…

West Ham 1 (Hitzperger) Blackburn 1 (Roberts), Premier League, May 2011

Blackburn 1 (Nelsen) West Ham 1 (Stanislas), Premier League, December 2010

West Ham 0 Blackburn 0, Premier League, December 2010

West Ham boss Bilic (Getty Images)

Form guide…

Blackburn Rovers: WLDWDW

West Ham United: DWLWDD

Vital information…

KICK-OFF TIME: 2pm

TV: Live on BT Sport, highlights on BBC One at 22:30pm